Partner Critique: Cut n’ Mix Performance

Partner Critique: Cut n’ Mix Performance

Critique Through Viewing Performance as an Artistic Event

            The book defined critiques framing performances as artistic events as ones that “assume that the artistic events [i.e. performances] should possess certain qualities and should trigger a certain response” (Pelias & Shaffer 185). Perri’s performance of my piece was, by this definition, an artistic event. Perri acted as an artist through her use of costume [anchorwoman coat], tone of voice and pace to construct a scene of a newscaster delivering the nightly news to the public. Her voice inflection and tone were both sobering which is very true of a real newscast. Often the newscasters deliver the news fairly straight-faced and devoid of emotion except for a slightly serious undertone. Perri captured this, though, I would suggest even being more stone-faced. This would add to the satire and comedy of the performance.

            Pelias and Shaffer talked about how these performances are most effective when they are “real” and “believable.” Perri accurately and believably portrayed a newscaster despite the slightly absurd news headlines [however, in real life the new headlines can be equally absurd!]. Perri stared straight into the imaginary camera and made us believe that she was actually delivering the news. Though, it would have been entertaining if she pretended there was more than one camera [like in real life broadcasts] and turned to a different one every so often. This could have added emphasis to certain headlines. She stayed true to the nature of actual news broadcasts by talking slow and methodically. Perri did very well slowing down the pace of her speech.

Critique Conceptualizing Performance as a Cultural Process

            Critiques that define performances as a cultural process “see all performance events as an indication of cultural assumptions and beliefs” (Pelias & Shaffer 185). Perri’s performance is a type of cultural artifact in its satiric critique of America’s obsession with gossipy/“fluffy” news. It criticizes America’s prioritizing of absurd gossip over ‘legitimate’ news. Perri did a good job at portraying this satire. Through her critique of the absurdist news culture, she establishes herself as one that does not agree with current news practices.

            Pelias and Shaffer mention that this critique sees the power of performance in its ability to change culture. Satires have been used for generations to both critique and enact change within American culture. Perri was only showing our class the performance but I could see her performance, if done on a larger scale, enacting social change or at least starting a dialogue about news broadcast practices and priorities.

Critique Conceiving Performance as Ethical Practice

            Critiques that define performances as an ethical practice “examine the implicit ethical issues involved in valuing some forms of speech over others” (Pelias & Shaffer 186). Perri’s performance could face some political backfire from news outlets in her satirical portrayal of them. However, I think she was morally just in using satire as a technique to critique a section of American culture. Perri did not viciously attack or belittle news organizations. Her satire was refined and tasteful. Though, privileging satire and critiquing American culture may hurt the feelings of those who find enjoyment with the type of absurdist headlines/stories Perri was presenting.

Overall Performance Evaluation and Suggestions for Future Performances

            Perri mentioned at the beginning of the quarter that she sometimes speaks very quickly when giving a performance. She has improved upon this a great deal! This performance was a good pace though I believe most everyone can slow down his or her speech a tad. A good technique to implement is, before going on, to take about six deep breaths through and out the nose because this actually slows down the heart rate and puts you in a calmer state. Perri seemed very confident and comfortable with public performing! Perri stumbled just a hair at one section but did an excellent job recovering and continuing on with the speech as though nothing happened. Perri has an audible, commanding voice that is great for public speaking. Perhaps a technique she could play around with would be changing the volume of her voice.